The power of the web is in its universality. Access by everyone regardless of disability is an essential aspect." – Tim Berners-Lee
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No one-size-fits-all solution exists in design. While universal design might seem unattainable, what if we shift our perspective? Rather than pursuing flawless experiences for a limited audience, perhaps we should concentrate on developing solutions that positively affect the broadest possible range of users.
Designers today are uniquely positioned to shape experiences that go far beyond aesthetics. Whether we are building a website, an app, or even a digital kiosk, accessibility is not just a checklist item—it is a mindset. It is about ensuring that our designs work not only for the average user, but also for those who navigate the world differently:through a screen reader, with voice commands, or via a keyboard.
In this first blog of our series Beyond the Interface: Creating Meaningful Impact with Accessibility and Intelligent UX, we dive into the core principles of web accessibility—POUR (Perceivable,Operable, Understandable, and Robust). These four pillars are more than just guidelines—they are the blueprint for inclusive, intelligent design that stands the test of time.
Designing and building digital products should begin with inclusive design. Inclusive design enables products to be developed to address the needs of a broad range of users with different levels of ability. We must consider the consequences that result from not accounting for differences when we are designing digital products.
But to design for inclusion, we need to recognize exclusion and understand when it happens and why. Exclusion can happen by not recognizing our own biases within our designs.Exclusion happens when we do not think about all the possible ways the product will be used and by whom.
So, are our designs truly reaching everyone that they could? Or are unseen barriers standing in the way? POUR principleshelp us to define and understand it better.
How will content be interpreted or processed by the user? How is the content being presented and how can it be delivered to the user? Will it be text, audio, video, braille or a combination within the presentation layer? Organize content to have with meaning (semantic structure). Design with text and create information hierarchies. Content should have the same meaning regardless of presentation and style. Think about designing with text only before applying stylizing.
Design Tips: Use color for delight, not for direction. Never rely on color alone to convey meaning — patterns, icons, and labels can dance alongside.
What type of input methods are available for the user to use and control? What type of affordances or cues are we giving? Using established design patterns, i.e., linking to the homepage via a logo in the header or through an icon of a little house helps reinforce user assumptions about how things should work. Can the user use the back button in the browser? Especially when they have made an error or want to revisit previous content. Online shopping carts often do not allow users the affordance of the back button.
Design Tips: Test any product with a keyboard-only approach for 5 minutes.Frustrated? Good. Now improve it.
The term "accessible experience" is more than simply having functional interfaces to work with: the opportunities must be communicated clearly at every juncture. Giving out "Something went wrong" as amessage after submitting a form is not only inconvenient but also inaccessible, especially for people with cognitive impairments or those who use assistive technologies. Understandable design helps to make certain that anyone-not just the tech-literate-interacts, navigates, and succeeds in the digital product.
Design Tips: Add helper text for forms. Think of it as a soft whisper guiding the user, not shouting at them when they are lost.
Robustness, the final principle of POUR, relates to creating digital content that remains accessible and usable while technology changes. Screen readers, for example, depend on well-written code to assist them in interpreting and rendering the content accurately. By ensuring adherence toHTML and ARIA standards, we guarantee that vital information is palatable for users even when their browser or device lacks some of the cutting-edge capabilities in use.
Design Tips: Code as if a blind developer is going to read your markup tomorrow — because they just might.
Accessibility is not a checkbox. It is a philosophy. It is not about designing for people with disabilities; it’s about designing with them in mind — because accessibility is universal design. The next time we wireframe or push pixels, we should ask ourselves: Can everyone perceive it, operate it, understand it, and trust that it will work?
If yes, we are not just designing a product — we are designing dignity.
To sum up, when we start designing for inclusion, we can extend our designs to everyone. Consider designing for yourself 10 to 20 years from now. As we age, our physical and mental capabilities change, which can create barriers to access. Age-related presbyopia is something that we will have to deal with. Remember, we are all temporarily able-bodied.
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In design, aesthetics and functionality typically complement each other. However, what happens when visual appeal isn't perceivable? What if interaction occurs without mouse clicks or touchscreens? For the millions of people with disabilities, websites either provide access or create barriers—and designers bear the responsibility to ensure accessibility. This is where the POUR principles become essential serving as the fundamental guide for accessible UX design.
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